Melissa Alexander, Attorney
U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs Accreditation Number: 52908
Indiana State Bar Association Member Since 2018
Indiana University, J.D., 2017
University of Southern Indiana, B.S. Economics, 2005
Melissa says she feels like she has been training for her position as a veterans disability attorney her entire life.
Long before her enlistment in the Indiana Army National Guard or time in law school, Melissa was brought up in a patriotic family.
“I was raised to love America,” she said. “My dad was in the Air Force for 12 years and both of my grandpas served. I also have a cousin who was in the Navy.”
Favorite activities
Spending time with family
Favorite quote
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”
Favorite foods
Anything tacos!
Melissa spent several years training with the National Guard before deploying to Afghanistan in 2009. There, she spent 10 months as an officer in a place known as “Rocket City.”
When Melissa returned home, she witnessed the ups and downs of the VA system firsthand.
“I really understand the frustration,” she said. “A lot of these veterans, they just have given up after trying for so many years even though they really do need help. They shouldn’t need a lawyer.”
Melissa went on to use her VA education benefits to attend law school. She ultimately graduated with her law degree in 2017 and spent time as a deputy prosecutor and with Indiana Legal Services before joining the team at Woods and Woods.
Melissa knows her first-hand experiences have prepared her to help other veterans around the country receive the benefits they deserve.
“I’m a completely different person after serving and I wouldn’t trade it. It gave me confidence to speak out and speak up when needed, and I think that helps with my career now,” she said.
“Serving also helped me understand people,” she added. “In the military you are with people from every walk of life and different backgrounds, but we all are there for one common goal.”
Melissa says she looks forward to using these experiences and skills to not only help her clients create a solid case but to build deeper connections with them.
